Painful Sex

Painful sex can be a consequence of a number of different conditions, such as infections, endometriosis, menopause, PID, childbirth or injury. Many women find that because of a previous experience of painful sex, they anticipate that the next time they engage in sexual intercourse will be the same. This in itself can make matters worse, as this anxiety can cause the vaginal muscles to involuntary contract, making penetration even more difficult and painful.

Suggestions:

As about the nature of the pain: when or where does she feel the pain? Is it near the vaginal entrance on penetration or it is a more deeper pain? Does she have any other abdominal pains? Does she experience more pain every time she has sex or not? If not what is different?

Are there other symptoms? This may indicate infection or other pathologies.

Foreplay and non-penetrative sexual behaviour- Is she aroused and lubricated enough? Does she reach orgasm?

Relationships: Has her relationship with her partner changed in some way? DO you enjoy yourself as partners? Are they lovers or is she more concerned about her painful sexual activity or her partner’s views?

What can be done?

An abdominal and vaginal examination should be done so as to establish the cause.

If there are any psychological causes connected to particular instance in life rope in specialist sexual health professionals to help.

If there are any relationship difficulties, counsellor’s therapy could be suggested to encourage more talking in between the couple for better solution to the problem.

A penetration desensitisation programme can be encouraged. She is encouraged to insert one finger then two then three in her vagina while relaxing the lower vaginal muscles. This method can help both dyspareunia and vaginismus.

If a psychosexual problem persists a psychosexual therapist can to be involved together with the partner.